It's How You Look at It

Suffering or Serving

¹⁶However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And,

"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

¹⁹So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. - 1 Peter 4:16-19

Reflecting on these passages this morning, I think it really does depend on how you look at it. I think about how I don't really feel like I suffer for the gospel. Sometimes I wonder why. But, I think it's just the fact that you can't be both suffering and joyful at the same time. It's a competition, and true joy will always win.

Perhaps some people would think that going away to a land far away from home, earning less than $60 a month and starting over again would be suffering. I came back last year and lived with in a room with the bed and dresser that came with the La Aldea room. I sat on the floor with my laptop, but I never felt the need to buy anything else... What I had in my room was already so much more, so much nicer than what I had in Brazil. But I never, not even when I first arrived there, felt like I was suffering. It was so wonderful. People who've never done that don't understand.

But, maybe it is just me... I remember that the leader of the Study Abroad program warned people not to talk to me... Katie has rose-colored vision. But, why suffer? God wants to fill us with the joy of joining in His service.


Sinning or Struggling

¹Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ²He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. ³This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

⁴No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. ⁵So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father." ⁶And he says in another place,
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."

⁷During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered ⁹and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him ¹⁰and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. -Hebrews 5:1-10

I love this passage. While it doesn't mention the word "humility," that is exactly what it's talking about. "No one takes glory upon him/herself." That's comforting, especially right now.

In hearing Lise's father talk about ministry, I got a little nervous. Would I ever be able to do this? But, I need to have faith that God will put me in that position, and recognize that everyone is "subject to weakness." Through prayers, petitions, cries and tears, God will hear me like He heard his Son. He will work on my struggles and prepare me.